Google on Thursday, June 1, announced the Google Wallet update.
As part of the update process, the list of functionality of the digital wallet developed by the technology giant has been expanded. From now on, users of this virtual product of the company will be able to convert images into passes. Also, the integration of the boarding pass with Google messages has been added to the list of functionality. In addition, the technology giant announced that following the results of the digital wallet update, an additional level of security appeared during the preservation of medical records.
Soon, Google Wallet users will be able to scan barcodes or QR codes from things like gym subscriptions or loyalty cards and save them. The advanced functionality also provides the possibility of scanning these codes from an existing image of a QR return code in e-commerce or a digital parking ticket.
Google is also implementing a partnership program with the Humana insurance company. This activity is aimed at ensuring that the function of saving the digital version of the insurance card appears in the virtual wallet created by the technology giant.
Also, UK residents will be able to save their national insurance numbers in Google Wallet using the HMRC app. These medical records will be identified as personal passes when saved. To gain access to the corresponding cards, users will need a second form of authentication, which can be used as a fingerprint or PIN code of the device.
Also, following the results of the digital wallet update, the scope of support for identity cards issued by the American government has been expanded. Now Google Wallet users residing in the United States can keep their Maryland ID card and driver’s license. In order to take advantage of this possibility, the smartphone must have software installed at least Android 8.0 with the device lock enabled. So far, the list of US states where the extended functionality of the virtual wallet is available is limited to Maryland.
Google plans to launch new features in Arizona, Georgia, and Colorado in the coming months. Also, by the end of 2023, the technology giant intends to present options for using stored identifiers in the process of checking virtual accounts or renting a vehicle in car-sharing services.
The Internet search giant also cooperates with Vietnam Airlines and Renfe (the national railway company of Spain). This partnership in a practical sense means that customers of the mentioned firms, in case of receiving booking confirmation via Google messages, will be able to save their boarding pass in the Wallet application.
Also, restaurant reservation systems, such as TagMe, will be able to send ready-made passes to users in Google Wallet for the purpose of their subsequent booking.
Google is working on the implementation of corporate passes and badges in the Wallet application for access to various office premises.
Also, as part of the update, the possibilities of using a virtual wallet for transit passes were expanded. Now German users of the Wallet application can save a Deutschland travel ticket, which is necessary for public transport.
Google Wallet in Google I/O was launched last year. This technological solution allowed users to store various cards in more than 40 countries. Since then, the app has become available in 20 more countries.
As we have reported earlier, Google Wallet Goes Live in Costa Rica.
